Apparatus, systems, and methods for displaying images in rotated display regions of display screens

ABSTRACT

The disclosed display device may include a display screen having (1) a front surface and (2) at least one display region that emits image light from the front surface, the at least one display region including a plurality of pixels arranged in a plurality of pixel rows and a plurality of pixel columns, the plurality of pixel rows and the plurality of pixel columns each extending obliquely relative to a peripheral edge of the front surface. The display device may also include a display driver circuit for driving the plurality of pixels of the at least one display region. The display driver circuit may be disposed adjacent to the peripheral edge of the front surface. Various other methods, systems, and devices are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND

Artificial reality devices, such as virtual reality headsets, are widelygaining in popularity for use in a growing number of activities. Suchheadsets may integrate visual information into a user's field of view toenhance their surroundings or allow them to step into immersivethree-dimensional environments. While virtual reality and augmentedreality headsets are often utilized for gaming and other entertainmentpurposes, they are also commonly employed for purposes outside ofrecreation—for example, governments may use them for military trainingsimulations, doctors may use them to practice surgery, and engineers mayuse them as visualization aids. Artificial reality systems are alsoincreasingly recognized for their utility in facilitating inter-personalinteractions between individuals in a variety of contexts.

However, virtual reality headsets are often bulky in size. Reducing thedisplay screen size to accommodate smaller headsets may presentdifficulties due to the rectangular shape of commonly used displayscreens, which often do not fit within headset housings having smallerform factors. Additionally, reductions in display screen size may resultin various display driving and uniformity issues that may result insub-optimal experiences for headset users.

SUMMARY

As will be described in greater detail below, the instant disclosuredescribes apparatus, systems, and methods for displaying images inrotated display regions of display screens. In at least one embodiment,a display device may include a display screen having (1) a front surfaceand (2) at least one display region that emits image light from thefront surface, the at least one display region including a plurality ofpixels arranged in a plurality of pixel rows and a plurality of pixelcolumns, the plurality of pixel rows and the plurality of pixel columnseach extending obliquely relative to a peripheral edge of the frontsurface. The display device may also include a display driver circuitfor driving the plurality of pixels of the at least one display region,wherein the display driver circuit is disposed adjacent to theperipheral edge of the front surface.

In some embodiments, the at least one display region may include aplurality of scanning lines extending parallel to the plurality of pixelrows and a plurality of data lines extending parallel to the pluralityof pixel columns. The display driver circuit may be electrically coupledto the plurality of scanning lines and the plurality of data lines ofthe at least one display region. In some example, the plurality of pixelrows of the at least one display region may each extend in a rowdirection having an angle of approximately 45° with respect to theperipheral edge of the front surface and the plurality of pixel columnsof the at least one display region may each extend in a column directionhaving an angle of approximately 45° with respect to the peripheral edgeof the front surface.

According to at least one embodiment, a perimeter of the plurality ofpixels in the at least one display region may have a nonrectangularshape. In this example, the perimeter of the plurality of pixels in theat least one display region may have an octagonal shape. At least oneside of the perimeter of the plurality of pixels in the at least onedisplay region may intersect multiple scanning lines and multiple datalines of the at least one display region.

According to some embodiments, the at least one display region mayinclude a pair of display regions disposed apart from each other in alongitudinal direction of the display screen and the display drivercircuit may be disposed apart from each display region of the pair ofdisplay regions in a lateral direction of the display screen. In thisexample, (1) a first display region of the pair of display regions mayinclude a first set of scanning lines and (2) a second display region ofthe pair of display regions a second set of scanning lines. The firstset of scanning lines may each extend in a first scanning line directionand the second set of scanning lines may each extend in a secondscanning line direction that is different than the first scanning linedirection. The display screen may have a nonrectangular peripherysurrounding the front surface.

In at least one embodiment, the display screen may also include abacklight unit having (1) a light source and (2) a light guide platehaving a pattern of microstructures for diffusing light from the lightsource. A density of the microstructures may be lower in a non- displayregion of the display screen. In some examples, the microstructures ofthe pattern of microstructures may not be formed in the non-displayregion of the display screen. The pattern of microstructures may, forexample, include a plurality of diffuser dots. The non-display region ofthe display screen may be located between the pair of display regions.In at least one example, the light source may be disposed adjacent to aperipheral side of the display screen adjoining the peripheral edge ofthe front surface. A corresponding head-mounted-display device mayinclude a display device and a display housing surrounding the displaydevice.

According to some embodiments, a display device may include a displayscreen having (1) a front surface, (2) a pair of display regions thatemit image light from the front surface, and (3) a backlight unit thatincludes a light source and a light guide plate having a pattern ofmicrostructures for diffusing light from the light source. A density ofthe microstructures may be lower in a non-display region of the displayscreen located between the pair of display regions.

A corresponding method may include (1) receiving initial image data fordisplaying an image on a display device in an initial orientation, (2)modifying the initial image data to generate modified image data fordisplaying the image on the display device in a rotated orientation thatis rotated by a selected angle of rotation relative to the initialorientation, and (3) driving the display device based on the modifiedimage data. In this example, the display device may include (1) a frontsurface and (2) at least one display region that emits, from the frontsurface, image light forming the image. The at least one display regionmay include a plurality of pixels arranged in a plurality of pixel rowsand a plurality of pixel columns, and at least one of the plurality ofpixel rows or the plurality of pixel columns may extend at an extensionangle relative to a peripheral edge of the front surface. The extensionangle may be equivalent to the selected angle of rotation.

In at least one embodiment, the at least one display region may includea first display region and a second display region. In this example,receiving the initial image data may further include (1) receiving afirst set of initial image data for displaying a first image in thefirst display region in a first initial orientation and (2) receiving asecond set of initial image data for displaying a second image in thesecond display region in a second initial orientation. Additionally,modifying the initial image data may further include (1) modifying thefirst set of initial image data to generate a first set of modifiedimage data for displaying the first image in the first display region ina first rotated orientation that is rotated by a first selected angle ofrotation relative to the first initial orientation and (2) modifying thesecond set of initial image data to generate a second set of modifiedimage data for displaying the second image in the second display regionin a second rotated orientation that is rotated by a second selectedangle of rotation relative to the second initial orientation. In someembodiments, the second selected angle of rotation may be different thanthe first selected angle of rotation.

Features from any of the above-mentioned embodiments may be used incombination with one another in accordance with the general principlesdescribed herein. These and other embodiments, features, and advantageswill be more fully understood upon reading the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate a number of exemplary embodimentsand are a part of the specification. Together with the followingdescription, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principlesof the instant disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary head-mounted-display systemin accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2A is a front view of an exemplary head-mounted-display device inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2B is a rear view of the head-mounted-display device of FIG. 2A inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary display system in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIG. 4A is a front view of an exemplary display screen in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIG. 4B is a close-up view of a portion of the display screen of FIG. 4Ashowing pixel detail in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5A is a front view of the display screen of FIG. 4A showing detailsof data lines and corresponding circuitry in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 5B is a front view of the display screen of FIG. 4A showing detailsof scanning lines and corresponding circuitry in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 6A is a front view of an exemplary display screen displaying imagesin accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6B is a front view of the display screen of FIG. 6A in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a front view of an exemplary backlight unit in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary display screen inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a backlight unitof the display screen in FIG. 8A in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for displaying an imagein a display screen in accordance with some embodiments.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptionsindicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While theexemplary embodiments described herein are susceptible to variousmodifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have beenshown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detailherein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are notintended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, theinstant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

As will be described in greater detail below, the instant disclosuredescribes apparatus, systems, and methods for displaying images inrotated display regions of display screens. In at least one embodiment,a display device may include a display screen having (1) a front surfaceand (2) at least one display region that emits image light from thefront surface, the at least one display region including a plurality ofpixels arranged in a plurality of pixel rows and a plurality of pixelcolumns, the plurality of pixel rows and the plurality of pixel columnseach extending obliquely relative to a peripheral edge of the frontsurface. The display device may also include a display driver circuitfor driving the plurality of pixels of the at least one display region,with the display driver circuit being disposed adjacent to theperipheral edge of the front surface. In some examples, the displaydevice may also include a backlight unit having light guide plates thatinclude non-display regions that include regions devoid oflight-diffusing microstructures.

The following will provide, with reference to FIGS. 1-3, examples ofdisplay systems and devices. In addition, the discussion correspondingto FIGS. 4A-6A will provide examples of display screens used in variousdisplay systems and devices. The discussion corresponding to FIGS. 7-8Bwill provide examples of backlight units included in display screens.Finally, the discussion corresponding to FIG. 9 will provide examples ofmethods for displaying images in rotated display regions of displayscreens.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a head-mounted-display system 100 inaccordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments,head-mounted-display system 100 may include a head-mounted-displaydevice 102, a facial-interface system 108, a strap assembly 114, andaudio subsystems 116. A head-mounted-display device may include any typeor form of display device or system that is worn on or about a user'shead and displays visual content to the user. Head-mounted-displaydevices may display content in any suitable manner, including via ascreen (e.g., an LCD or LED screen), a projector, a cathode ray tube, anoptical mixer, etc. Head-mounted-display devices may display content inone or more of various media formats. For example, ahead-mounted-display device may display video, photos, and/orcomputer-generated imagery (CGI). Head-mounted-display device 102 mayinclude a display housing 110 surrounding various components ofhead-mounted-display device 102, including lenses 104 and variouselectronic components, including display components as described herein.Display housing 110 may include a housing back surface 112 and sidesurfaces surrounding the internal components, and an opening surroundinga viewing region 106 at a front side of display housing 110.

Head-mounted-display devices may provide diverse and distinctive userexperiences. Some head-mounted-display devices may providevirtual-reality experiences (i.e., they may display computer-generatedor pre-recorded content), while other head-mounted displays may providereal-world experiences (i.e., they may display live imagery from thephysical world). Head-mounted displays may also provide any mixture oflive and virtual content. For example, virtual content may be projectedonto the physical world (e.g., via optical or video see-through), whichmay result in augmented reality or mixed reality experiences.Head-mounted-display devices may be configured to be mounted to a user'shead in a number of ways. Some head-mounted-display devices may beincorporated into glasses or visors. Other head-mounted-display devicesmay be incorporated into helmets, hats, or other headwear.

Embodiments of the invention may include or be implemented inconjunction with an artificial reality system. Artificial reality is aform of reality that has been adjusted in some manner beforepresentation to a user, which may include, e.g., a virtual reality (VR),an augmented reality (AR), a mixed reality (MR), a hybrid reality, orsome combination and/or derivatives thereof. Artificial reality contentmay include completely generated content or generated content combinedwith captured (e.g., real-world) content. The artificial reality contentmay include video, audio, haptic feedback, or some combination thereof,and any of which may be presented in a single channel or in multiplechannels (such as stereo video that produces a three-dimensional effectto the viewer). Additionally, in some embodiments, artificial realitymay also be associated with applications, products, accessories,services, or some combination thereof, that are used to, e.g., createcontent in an artificial reality and/or are otherwise used in (e.g.,perform activities in) an artificial reality. The artificial realitysystem that provides the artificial reality content may be implementedon various platforms, including a head-mounted display (HMD) connectedto a host computer system, a standalone HMD, a mobile device orcomputing system, or any other hardware platform capable of providingartificial reality content to one or more viewers.

In some embodiments, audio subsystems 116 may be integrated withhead-mounted-display device 102 and may provide audio signals to theuser's ears in conjunction with or separate from displayed content.Head-mounted-display system 100 may, for example, have two audiosubsystems 116 located on the left and right sides ofhead-mounted-display system 100 to provide audio signals to the user'sleft and right ears, as shown in FIG. 1.

Strap assembly 114 may be used for adjustably mountinghead-mounted-display device 102 on the user's head. As shown in FIG. 1,strap assembly 114 may include lower straps and/or an upper strap thatare coupled to head-mounted-display device 102 to adjustably conform tothe top and/or sides of the user's head when the user is wearinghead-mounted-display system 100. In some embodiments, strap assembly 114may include a back piece coupled with the upper strap and lower strapsto rest against the back of the user's head (e.g., around the user'soccipital lobe). In at least one embodiment, the back piece may includean opening that is dimensioned and positioned to securely fit around aback portion (e.g., a portion of the user's occipital lobe) of theuser's head.

In some embodiments, facial-interface system 108 may be configured tocomfortably rest against a region of the user's face, including a regionsurrounding the user's eyes, when head-mounted-display system 100 isworn by the user. In these embodiments, facial-interface system 108 mayinclude an interface cushion that is configured to rest against portionsof the user's face (e.g., at least a portion of the user's nasal, cheek,temple, and/or forehead facial regions). Facial-interface system 108 maysurround viewing region 106, which includes the user's field of vision,allowing the user to look through lenses 104 of head-mounted-displaydevice 102 without interference from outside light while the user iswearing head-mounted-display system 100.

FIGS. 2A and 2B respectively show front and rear views ofhead-mounted-display device 102. Head-mounted-display device 102 mayinclude a display screen 118 disposed within display housing 110. Forexample, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, display screen 118 may disposedwithin display housing 110 so as to overlap left-eye lens 104A andright-eye lens 104B such that images produced by a display region ofdisplay screen 118 are visible to a user through left- and right-eyelenses 104A and 104B. In some embodiments, distinct portions of displayscreen 118 may be visible to each of the user's eyes, with the screencontent visible to each eye being separated by a dividing region (e.g.,separate eye cups, a central partition, etc.) extending between displayscreen 118 and each of left- and right-eye lenses 104A and 104B. Such aconfiguration may enable distinct images to be presented by displayscreen 118 to each of the user's eyes, allowing for 3-dimensional imagesto be perceived by the user. While one display screen 118 is illustratedin FIGS. 2A and 2B, in some embodiments, head-mounted-display devicesmay include multiple LCD screens. For example, a head-mounted-displaydevice may include two LCD screens, with a separate LCD screen beingvisible to each of a user's left and right eyes.

As shown in FIG. 2A, head-mounted-display device 102 may also include alight-blocking layer 119 surrounding left- and right-eye lenses 104A and104B. Light-blocking layer 119 may, for example, extend between left-and right-eye lenses 104A and 104B and surrounding portions of displayhousing 110. Light-blocking layer 119 may include, for example, alight-absorbing material (e.g., a dark polymeric and/or fabric material)that masks internal components of head-mounted-display device 102 andthat prevents any outside light incidentally entering viewing region 106(e.g., through a gap between the user's face and facial-interface system108) from being reflected within viewing region 106. Display housing 110may include a rigid material, such as a rigid plastic, that supports andprotects internal components, such as display screen 118 and otherelectronics. At least a portion of display housing 110, such as aportion of display housing 110 surrounding viewing region 106, mayinclude a light-absorbing material that prevents passage of externallight and prevents reflection of light incidentally entering viewingregion 106. Blocking external light and/or preventing reflection oflight in viewing region 106 of head-mounted-display device 102 maygreatly enhance a user's immersive viewing experience by ensuring thatnearly all light visible to the user is image light emitted from displayscreen 118.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary display system 120 in accordance with someembodiments. As shown in this FIG. 3, display system 120 may includehead-mounted-display device 102 communicatively coupled to a computingdevice 126. Additionally or alternatively, display system 120 mayinclude any other suitable type of display device without limitation(e.g., a television, a computer monitor, a laptop monitor, a tabletdevice, a portable device, such as a a smartphone or cellular telephone,a wrist-watch device, a pendant device or other wearable or miniaturedevice, a media player, a camera viewfinder, a gaming device, anavigation device, and/or any other type of device including anelectronic display screen, without limitation). At least a portion ofcomputing device 126 may be incorporated within a head-mounted-displaysystem (e.g., head-mounted-display system 100 of FIG. 1). Additionallyor alternatively, at least a portion of computing device 126 mayrepresent one or more external computing devices that are incommunication with head-mounted-display device 102, such as, forexample, a gaming and/or multimedia console or device, a desktop, alaptop, a tablet, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a wearable device, anembedded system, an internet router, another head-mounted-displaydevice, a hand-held controller, etc.

Head-mounted-display device 102 may include display screen 118 having aleft-eye display region 122A and a right-eye display region 122B asshown in FIG. 3. Left-eye display region 122A and right-eye displayregion 122B may include portions of display screen 118 that are visibleto a user wearing head-mounted-display device 102 via left-eye lens 104Aand right-eye lens 104B, respectively. As will be described in greaterdetail below, each of left-eye display region 122A and right-eye displayregion 122B may include a plurality of pixels and subpixels that formvisible images according to any suitable display technology. Forexample, display screen 118 may be any suitable type of LCD screen, suchas a backlit LCD screen that modulates emitted light through an activematrix liquid crystal pixel array. In some embodiments, display system120 may include any other suitable type of display screen, such as, forexample, an organic light-emitting diode (LED) screen (e.g., anactive-matrix OLED screen), a plasma screen, an electrophoretic displayscreen, an electrowetting display screen, a cathode ray screen, and/orany other suitable image display screen. Light may be emitted from adisplay surface of display screen 118 such that the images are visibleto the user in each of left-eye display region 122A and right-eyedisplay region 122B. In some examples, images may be produced by drivingsubpixels at different currents and/or voltages such that differentamounts of light are emitted from each of the subpixels. For example,selected voltages may be applied to subpixel regions of a liquid crystallayer to allow passage of various amounts of light. A wide varietyvisible colors may be produced by combining different amounts of lightpassed through subpixel color regions (e.g., red, green, and/or bluecolor regions) of a color filter array layer such that a user perceivescolors corresponding to the combinations of the subpixel colors.

According to at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3,head-mounted-display device 102 of display system 120 may include adisplay driver circuit 124 for driving subpixels of left-eye displayregion 122A and right-eye display region 122B of display screen 118.Display driver circuit 124 may include any suitable circuitry fordriving display screen 118. For example, display driver circuit 124 mayinclude at least one display driver integrated circuit (IC). In someexamples, display driver circuit 124 may include timing controller(TCON) circuitry that receives commands and/or imaging data andgenerates horizontal and vertical timing signals forthin-film-transistors (TFTs) of a TFT array of display screen 118.Display driver circuit 124 may, for example, be mounted on an edge of aTFT substrate of display screen 118 and electrically connected to scanlines and data lines of a TFT subpixel array.

In at least one embodiment, computing device 126 of display system 120may communicate with display driver circuit 124 of head-mounted-displaydevice 102. For example, computing device 126 may send image data (videodata, still image data, etc.) to display driver circuit 124. Such imagedata may be utilized by display driver circuit 124 to generate signalsthat are transmitted to left-eye display region 122A and right-eyedisplay region 122B to generate corresponding images in left-eye displayregion 122A and right-eye display region 122B. Computing device 126 maycommunicate with display driver circuit 124 via any suitable wiredand/or a wireless connection (e.g., WiFi communications, BLUETOOTHcommunications, cellular communications, mobile satellitecommunications, etc.).

Computing device 126 may also include a graphics processing unit (GPU)128 and image data 130. According to some embodiments, GPU 128 mayprocess and/or manipulate image data 130 that is stored on computingdevice 126 prior to sending image data to display driver circuit 124 ofhead-mounted-display device 102. For example, as will be described ingreater detail below, GPU 128 may modify initial image data 132 storedon computing device 126 to generate modified image data 134 configuredto properly orient and display the corresponding images in left-eyedisplay region 122A and right-eye display region 122B of display screen118.

FIG. 4A shows a front view of an exemplary display screen 118 that maybe included in a display device, such as head-mounted-display device 102shown in FIGS. 1-3. As shown in this figure, display screen 118 mayinclude left-eye display region 122A and right eye display region 122Bthat are visible to a user's left and right eyes. Left-eye displayregion 122A and right-eye display region 122B may respectively includedisplay circuitry 140A and display circuitry 140B for producing imagesin left- and right-eye display regions 122A and 122B. Display circuitry140A and display circuitry 140B may each include a TFT array and aplurality of scanning lines and data lines for driving subpixels ofleft- and right-eye display regions in accordance with scanning and datasignals from display driver circuit 124.

Left- and right-eye display regions 122A and 122B may each include aplurality of pixels and subpixels that form visible images according toany suitable display technology. For example, left- and right-eyedisplay regions 122A and 122B may include image pixels formed of LEDs,OLEDs, plasma cells, electrophoretic display elements, LCD components,electrowetting display elements, cathode ray tube (CRT elements), and/orany other suitable image pixel technology. Light from the pixels may beemitted from a front surface 142 of display screen 118 such that imagesformed by the pixels are visible to a user viewing front surface 142.

FIG. 4B shows a close-up view of a portion of left-eye display region122A of display screen 118. While FIG. 4B illustrate a portion ofleft-eye display region 122A, right-eye display region 122B may have anarray of pixels and subpixels that is similar to that shown in FIG. 4B.As shown in this figure, left-eye display region 122A may include aplurality of pixels 150. Each pixel 150 may include a plurality ofsubpixels. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, each pixel 150 may includea first subpixel 152A, second subpixel 152B, and a third subpixel 152C.First subpixel 152A, second subpixel 152B, and third subpixel 152C ofeach pixel 150 may be individually driven by display circuitry 140A toform an image that is visible to the human eye. Each of first subpixel152A, second subpixel 152B, and a third subpixel 152C may emit lighthaving a separate wavelength and/or range of wavelengths. For example,each first subpixel 152A may emit light having a first wavelength and/orrange of wavelengths (e.g., red light), each second subpixel 152B mayemit light having a second wavelength and/or range of wavelengths (e.g.,green light), and each third subpixel 152C may emit light having a thirdwavelength and/or range of wavelengths (e.g., blue light). Additionallyor alternatively, pixels 150 may include subpixels that emit any othersuitable visible light colors, including, for example, cyan and/ormagenta light. In some examples, each pixel 150 may include one or moreadditional subpixels that emit one or more colors corresponding to thoseemitted by first subpixel 152A, second subpixel 152B, and/or thirdsubpixel 152C and/or other colors and/or ranges of colors. Althoughfirst subpixel 152A, second subpixel 152B, and third subpixel 152C areillustrated in FIG. 4B as having rectangular or generally rectangularperipheries, left-eye display region 122A and right-eye display region122B of display screen 118 may include subpixels and correspondingpixels having any other suitable shape and configuration, withoutlimitation.

As shown in FIG. 4B, pixels 150 may be arranged in a plurality of pixelrows 154 and a plurality of pixel columns 156. Pixel rows 154 and pixelcolumns 156 may extend in directions that are nonparallel to sides(e.g., left side 138A, right side 138B, upper side 138C, and lower side138D) of display screen 118 that extend parallel or substantiallyparallel to the X- and Y-axes shown in FIG. 4A. In some examples, imagesmay be produced by driving first subpixels 152A, second subpixels 152B,and third subpixels 152C of pixels 150 at different currents and/orvoltages such that various amounts of light are emitted from each firstsubpixel 152A, second subpixel 152B, and a third subpixel 152C.Different visible colors may be produced by combining selected amountsof emitted light from adjacent subpixels of different colors (e.g., red,green, and/or blue subpixels) such that a user perceives pixel colorscorresponding to the combinations of subpixels.

Display screen 118 may have any suitable shape and size, withoutlimitation. In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A, displayscreen 118 may have a nonrectangular shape and/or periphery. Forexample, display screen 118 may have a peripheral surface 144surrounding front surface 142, left-eye display region 122A, andright-eye display region 122B. Peripheral surface 144 may form anoctagonal periphery of display screen 118 that peripherally surroundsand/or abuts front surface 142. In some embodiments, left-eye displayregion 122A and/or right-eye display region 122B may also include anoctagonal periphery. In various examples, display screen 118 may extendlongitudinally between a left side 138A and a right side 138B, withleft-eye display region 122A and right-eye display region 122B arrangedapart from each other in the longitudinal direction parallel to theX-axis shown in FIG. 4A. Peripheral surface 144 of display screen 118may include one or more canted sides 149 extending obliquely betweenvarious side surface portions of peripheral surface 144. For example,canted sides 149 may extend between left side 138A and each of upperside 138C and lower side 138D of display screen 118. Additionally oralternatively, canted sides 149 may extend between right side 138B andeach of upper side 138C and lower side 138D of display screen 118. Insome embodiments, left-eye display region 122A and/or right-eye displayregion 122B may also include a nonrectangular periphery. For example,perimeter 146A of left-eye display region 122A and perimeter 146B ofright-eye display region 122B may each have an octagonal perimeter thatincludes portions that extend parallel or substantially parallel tovarious sides of display screen 118 (e.g., left side 138A, right side138B, upper side 138C, lower side 138D, and/or one or more canted sides149).

According to at least one embodiment, display driver circuit 124 may bedisposed adjacent to a peripheral edge of display screen 118 that isformed between a portion front surface 142 and peripheral surface 144.For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, display driver circuit 124 may bedisposed adjacent to a lower peripheral edge 148 of front surface 142,which is formed between front surface 142 and lower side 138D ofperipheral surface 144. Display driver circuit 124 may extendlongitudinally along lower peripheral edge 148 in a direction parallelto the X-axis shown in FIG. 4A such that display driver circuit 124 isdisposed near each of left-eye display region 122A and right-eye displayregion 122B in a direction generally parallel to the Y-axis.Accordingly, display driver circuit 124 may extend near each of left-eyedisplay region 122A and right-eye display region 122B as well as near anon-display region located between left-eye display region 122A andright-eye display region 122B. In some embodiments, the plurality ofpixel rows 154 and the plurality of pixel columns 156 of left-eyedisplay region 122A and right-eye display region 122B may each extendobliquely relative to lower peripheral edge 148 of front surface 142.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show front views of display screen 118 with variouscomponents of display screen 118 visible in each of FIGS. 5A and 5B.FIG. 5A illustrates data line circuitry included in display screen 118and FIG. 5B illustrates corresponding scanning line circuitry includedin display screen 118.

According to some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5A, left-eye displayregion 122A may include a plurality of data lines 158A and right-eyedisplay region 122B may include a plurality of data lines 158B. Datalines 158A and data lines 158B may each extend parallel to correspondingpixel columns (e.g., pixel columns 156 shown in FIG. 4B) of left-eyedisplay region 122A and right-eye display region 122B, respectively.Data lines 158A and data lines 158B may extend obliquely relative tosides (e.g., left side 138A, right side 138B, upper side 138C, and lowerside 138D) of display screen 118 that are parallel to the X- and Y-axesshown in FIG. 5A. In some examples, data lines 158A and data lines 158Bmay each extend obliquely relative to lower peripheral edge 148 of frontsurface 142, which is parallel to the X-axis. For example, data lines158A may each extend at an angle θ1 from the X-axis and data lines 158Bmay each extend at an angle θ2 from the X-axis. Angle θ1 and angle θ2may each be any suitable angles greater than 0°. For example, angle θ1and angle θ2 may each be 45° or approximately 45°. In at least oneembodiment, data lines 158A of left-eye display region 122A may extendin a different direction than data lines 158B of right-eye displayregion 122B. For example, data lines 158A may each extend at a 90° angleor approximately a 90° angle relative to data lines 158B.

Data lines 158A of left-eye display region 122A may be electricallycoupled to display driver circuit 124 via corresponding connecting lines160A. Additionally, data lines 158B of right-eye display region 122B maybe electrically coupled to display driver circuit 124 via correspondingconnecting lines 160B. Connecting lines 160A and connecting lines 160Bmay respectively extend between display driver circuit 124 and terminalends of data lines 158A and data lines 158B located at portions ofperimeter 146A and perimeter 146B of left-eye display region 122A andright-eye display region 122B, respectively. Accordingly, display drivercircuit 124 may send driving signals to data lines 158A and data lines158B via connecting lines 160A and connecting lines 160B, respectively.Connecting lines 160A and connecting lines 160B may be disposed invarious non-display regions of display screen 118. For example, some ofconnecting lines 160A and connecting lines 160B may be disposed in anon-display region of display screen 118 located between left-eyedisplay region 122A and right-eye display region 122B. Left-eye displayregion 122A and right-eye display region 122B may be positioned apartfrom one another by a distance D1 in the longitudinal direction ofdisplay screen 118 parallel to the X-axis. Distance D1 may provide amargin between left-eye display region 122A and right-eye display region122B that is sufficient to fit connecting lines 160A and connectinglines 160B extending to corresponding portions of left-eye displayregion 122A and right-eye display region 122B. Additionally, thedistance D1 may provide sufficient space to accommodate at least aportion of at least one gate circuit, as will be described in greaterdetail in reference to FIG. 5B.

In at least one embodiment, some of connecting lines 160A may bedisposed in a non-display region of display screen 118 located betweenleft-eye display region 122A and lower peripheral edge 148 of frontsurface 142. Additionally, some of connecting lines 160B may be disposedin a non-display region of display screen 118 located between right-eyedisplay region 122B and lower peripheral edge 148. Left-eye displayregion 122A and right-eye display region 122B may each be positionedapart from lower peripheral edge 148 of front surface 142 by a distanceD2 in a direction parallel to the Y-axis. Distance D2 may provide amargin between lower peripheral edge 148 and each of left-eye displayregion 122A and right-eye display region 122B that is sufficient toaccomodate connecting lines 160A and connecting lines 160B extending tocorresponding portions of left-eye display region 122A and right-eyedisplay region 122B. Additionally, the distance D2 may providesufficient space to accommodate at least a portion of at least one gatecircuit, as will be described in greater detail in reference to FIG. 5B.

The orientations of data lines 158A and data lines 158B shown in FIG. 5Amay allow for a margin between lower peripheral edge 148 and each ofleft-eye display region 122A and right-eye display region 122B to bereduced in comparison to other data line orientations, such asorientations in which the data lines each extend parallel to the Y-axis,since fewer connecting lines 160A and connecting lines 160B extendbetween lower peripheral edge 148 and a lower perimeter portion of eachof left-eye display region 122A and right-eye display region 122B.Accordingly, a peripheral size of display screen 118 may be reduced bysuch a configuration, allowing for display screen 118 to be utilized in,for example, headsets have been a reduced form factor. Additionally,orientations of data lines 158A and data lines 158B shown in FIG. 5A mayallow for a driving or loading gap between first and last data lines ofeach of left-eye display region 122A and right-eye display region 122Bto be reduced in comparison to other data line orientations due to therelatively close proximity of display driver circuit 124 to each of theterminal connection portions of data lines 158A and data lines 158B. Forexample, the terminal connection portions may disposed on perimetersides of left-eye display region 122A and right-eye display region 122Bthat are angled toward or generally toward display driver circuit 124 asshown in FIG. 5A. Accordingly, driving uniformity of left-eye displayregion 122A and right-eye display region 122B may be improved due to thereduced driving gaps without requiring the use of an additional displaydriver circuit.

FIG. 5B shows scanning line circuitry included in display screen 118(data line circuitry illustrated in FIG. 5A is not shown in FIG. 5B). Asillustrated in FIG. 5B, left-eye display region 122A may include aplurality of scanning lines 162A and right-eye display region 122B mayinclude a plurality of scanning lines 162B. Scanning lines 162A andscanning lines 162B each extend parallel to corresponding pixel rows(e.g., pixel rows 154 shown in FIG. 4B) of left-eye display region 122Aand right-eye display region 122B, respectively. Scanning lines 162A andscanning lines 162B may extend obliquely relative to sides (e.g., leftside 138A, right side 138B, upper side 138C, and lower side 138D) ofdisplay screen 118 that are parallel to the X- and Y-axes shown in FIG.5B. In some examples, scanning lines 162A and scanning lines 162B mayeach extend obliquely relative to lower peripheral edge 148 of frontsurface 142, which is parallel to the X-axis. For example, scanninglines 162A may each extend at an angle θ3 from the X-axis and scanninglines 162B may each extend at an angle θ4 from the X-axis. Angle θ3 andangle θ4 may each be any suitable angles greater than 0°. For example,angle θ3 and angle θ4 may each be 45° or approximately 45°. In at leastone embodiment, scanning lines 162A of left-eye display region 122A mayextend in a different direction than scanning lines 162B of right-eyedisplay region 122B. For example, scanning lines 162A may each extend ata 90° angle or approximately a 90° angle relative to scanning lines162B. Further, scanning lines 162A may each extend at a 90° angle orapproximately a 90° angle relative data lines 158A shown in FIG. 5A andscanning lines 162B may each extend at a 90° angle or approximately a90° angle relative data lines 158B.

Scanning lines 162A of left-eye display region 122A may each beelectrically coupled to display driver circuit 124 via a correspondingupper gate circuit 164A or lower gate circuit 166A and a correspondingconnecting line 168A. Additionally, scanning lines 162B of right-eyedisplay region 122B may each be electrically coupled to display drivercircuit 124 via a corresponding upper gate circuit 164B or lower gatecircuit 166B and a corresponding connecting line 168B. Connecting lines168A and connecting lines 168B may respectively extend between the gatecircuits (upper gate circuits 164A and 164B and lower gate circuits 166Aand 166B) and terminal ends of scanning lines 162A and scanning lines162B at portions of perimeter 146A and perimeter 146B of left-eyedisplay region 122A and right-eye display region 122B, respectively.Accordingly, display driver circuit 124 may send scan signals toscanning lines 162A and scanning lines 162B via the gate circuits andconnecting lines 168A and connecting lines 168B, respectively.Connecting lines 168A and 168B, upper gate circuits 164A and 164B, andlower gate circuits 166A and 166B may be disposed in various non-displayregions of display screen 118 surrounding left-eye display region 122Aand right-eye display region 122B. In some embodiments, upper gatecircuits 164A and 164B and lower gate circuits 166A and 166B may bearranged so as to not overlap connecting lines 160A and connecting lines160B (see FIG. 5A). In some examples, upper gate circuits 164A and 164Band lower gate circuits 166A and 166B may have a narrow width allowingfor margins surrounding left-eye display region 122A and right-eyedisplay region 122B between a periphery of front surface 142 and each ofleft-eye display region 122A and right-eye display region 122B to beminimized. Accordingly, a peripheral size of display screen 118 may bereduced by such a configuration.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate rotation of image data to produce images ondisplay screen 118 that are in a desired orientation. As shown in FIG.6A, images that are generated based on image data configured for displayon conventional display screens may appear rotated in left-eye displayregion 122A and right-eye display region 122B of display screen 118 ifthe image data is displayed without modification. This is because suchconventional image data may be configured for display on display screenshaving pixels arranged in horizontal rows and vertical columns thatextend, for example, parallel to rectangular sides of the displayscreens. However, as described above, left-eye display region 122A andright-eye display region 122B of display screen 118 may include pixelsthat are arranged along pixel rows and pixel columns (see, e.g., pixelrows 154 and pixel columns 156 of FIG. 4B) that extend in directionsthat are nonparallel to horizontal and vertical sides of the displayscreens. For example, pixel rows and pixel columns of left-eye displayregion 122A and right-eye display region 122B may be respectivelyarranged parallel to scanning lines 162A and scanning lines 162B anddata lines 158A and data lines 158B such that the pixel rows and pixelcolumns each extend at an angle of 45° with respect to the horizontaland vertical directions. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6A, unmodifiedleft-eye image 170A and unmodified right-eye image 170B generated basedon unmodified conventional image data would each appear a user to betilted at angles of 45° with respect to the horizontal and verticaldirections represented by the X- and Y-axes. Additionally, unmodifiedleft-eye image 170A and unmodified right-eye image 170B would appear tobe angled with respect to each other by an angle of 90°.

In order to properly orient and display images in left-eye displayregion 122A and right-eye display region 122B, image data (e.g., initialimage data 132) that is configured for displaying images on conventionaldisplays may be modified by, for example, by GPU 128 to generatemodified image data 134 (See, e.g., FIG. 3). GPU 128 may be configuredto, for example, generate modified image data 134 that results in imagesbeing displayed in left-eye display region 122A and right-eye displayregion 122B of display screen 118 in their proper orientations. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 6B, supplying display driver circuit 124 withmodified image data 134 may result in the orientations of modifiedleft-eye image 172A and modified right-eye image 172B appearingrespectively rotated by angles of rotation of 45° relative to theorientations of unmodified left-eye image 170A and unmodified right-eyeimage 170B generated based on unmodified conventional image data, asshown in FIG. 6A. For example, modified left-eye image 172A may berotated 45° clockwise in rotational direction R1 with respect tounmodified left-eye image 170A. Additionally, modified right-eye image172B may be rotated 45° counterclockwise in rotational direction R2 withrespect to unmodified right-eye image 170B.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary backlight unit 174 of a display screen, suchas display screen 118 shown in, for example, FIGS. 4A-6B. Backlight unit174 may include any suitable type of light source that emits lightthrough pixels and subpixels of a liquid crystal display screen. Forexample, backlight unit 174 may include an array of light-emittingdiodes, an electroluminescent panel, a cold cathode fluorescent lamp, ahot cathode fluorescent lamp, an external electrode fluorescent lamp,and/or an array of laser emitting diodes, without limitation. Accordingto some embodiments, backlight unit 174 may include a light source 176(e.g., an LED array) that generates light for display screen 118.Additionally, backlight unit 174 may include a light guide plate 178that diffuses and redirects light from light source 176 toward lightmodulating portions of display screen 118. In at least one embodiment,an outer periphery of backlight unit 174 may have a shape correspondingto a shape of peripheral surface 144 of display screen 118. For example,backlight unit 174 may have a non-rectangular shape, such as anoctagonal shape as shown in FIG. 7.

In some embodiments, backlight unit 174 may include a left-eye lightingregion 180A and a right-eye lighting region 180B that respectivelycorrespond to and overlap left- and right-eye display regions 122A and122B of display screen 118 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3-6B). Left-eye lightingregion 180A and right-eye lighting region 1806 may be configured torespectively emit light through left-eye display region 122A andright-eye display region 122B of display screen 118. Left-eye lightingregion 180A and right-eye lighting region 1806 may each be surrounded bya non-display region 182. According to at least one embodiment, at leasta portion of light emitted from regions of non-display region 182adjacent to and/or surrounding each of left-eye lighting region 180A andright-eye lighting region 1806 may also pass through left- and right-eyedisplay regions 122A and 122B of display screen 118. Additionally, oneor more portions of non-display region 182 may emit light that does notsubstantially pass through left-eye display region 122A and right-eyedisplay region 122B such that light emitted from such portions mayessentially be wasted. In some embodiments, such light wasting portionsof backlight unit 174 may be at least partially eliminated by reducingthe peripheral size of backlight unit 174 surrounding left-eye lightingregion 180A and right-eye lighting region 1806. For example, cornerregions of a conventional rectangular backlight unit, which might not bedisposed in close proximity to left-eye lighting region 180A andright-eye lighting region 1806, might be eliminated with the octagonalperiphery of backlight unit 174, which includes canted regions (see,e.g., canted sides 149 shown in FIG. 4A) are disposed in relativelycloser proximity to left-eye lighting region 180A and right-eye lightingregion 1806.

According to at least one embodiment, light guide plate 178 may includemicrostructures, such as a pattern of microstructures, for diffusinglight from light source 176. Microstructures may include, for example,any suitable protrusions, grooves, ridges, and/or other features formedin any suitable shapes and patterns in light guide plate 178. Suchmicrostructures may diffuse light by changing directions of incidentlight to reflect and/or refract such light from light guide plate 178toward pixel regions of a light modulating portion of a display screen(e.g., display screen 118 of FIGS. 2A-6B). In some examples, themicrostructures may include a plurality of diffuser dots, such as apattern of diffuser dots formed in light guide plate 178 as will bedescribed in greater detail below.

In various embodiment, light guide plate 178 may include at least onelow-density microstructure region in a portion of light guide plate 178.For example, as shown in FIG. 7, light guide plate 178 may include afirst low-density microstructure region 184A and a second low-densitymicrostructure region 184B formed in portions of non-display region 182of light guide plate 178. As shown, for example, first and secondlow-density microstructure regions 184A and 184B may be located inregions between left-eye lighting region 180A and right-eye lightingregion 180B. First and second low-density microstructure regions 184Aand 184B may each have any suitable shape and size, such as, forexample, a triangular or substantially triangular shape, a taperedshape, and/or any other suitable shape. First and second low-densitymicrostructure regions 184A and 184B may each include a density of themicrostructures that is lower than a density of microstructures inleft-eye lighting region 180A, right-eye lighting region 180B, andportions of non-display region 182 outside of first and secondlow-density microstructure regions 184A and 184B. In some examples,first low-density microstructure region 184A and/or second low-densitymicrostructure region 184B may be free or substantially free ofmicrostructures. Accordingly, light may be inhibited or prevented frombeing emitted from first and second low-density microstructure regions184A and 184B such that an amount light emitted from first and secondlow-density microstructure regions 184A and 184B may be reducedconsiderably in comparison to other portions of light guide plate 178that include greater densities of microstructures.

FIG. 8A shows a cross-sectional side view a display screen 118 includingbacklight unit 174 and FIG. 8B shows a cross-sectional side view of aportion of backlight unit 174 in accordance with some embodiments. Insome embodiments, backlight unit 174 may additionally include featuresfor directing light from light source 176 as light L1 directed towardpixel forming portions of display screen 118. Light L1 may, for example,pass through an imaging assembly 188 of display screen 118 and may beemitted from front surface 142 of display screen 118 as image light thatis visible to a user. As illustrated in FIG. 8A, display screen 118 mayinclude imaging assembly 188 and a rear cover 186 respectively disposedon front and back sides of backlight unit 174. Imaging assembly 188 mayinclude, for example, a liquid crystal element layer and a TFT arraysubstrate. Display circuitry 140A and 140B of left-eye display region122A and right-eye display region 122B, including data lines 158A and158B and scanning lines 162A and 162B, may be included in imagingassembly 188 (see, e.g., FIGS. 4A-5B). Display driver circuit 124 may bedisposed on and/or may be electrically coupled to imaging assembly 188.In at least one example, light source 176 may be disposed at and/oradjacent to lower side 138D of display screen 118 adjoining lowerperipheral edge 148 of front surface 142 (see, e.g., FIG. 4A) such thatdisplay driver circuit 124 at least partially overlaps and/or extendsparallel to light source 176.

According to at least one embodiment, rear cover 186 may include amaterial, such as a reflective metal material and/or any other suitablereflective material, that reflects light L2 emitted from light source176 within backlight unit 174, as shown in FIG. 8B. Additionally, asurface of backlight unit 174 facing imaging assembly 188 and/or amaterial disposed adjacent to the surface of backlight unit 174 facingimaging assembly 188, may reflect at least a portion of light L2 emittedfrom backlight unit 174, such as portions of light L2 that that areincident to the surface at angles below a certain threshold angle ofincidence. Accordingly, light L2 emitted from light source 176 may bereflected within backlight unit 174 between front and rear surfaces oflight guide plate 178, as illustrated in FIG. 8B.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, light guide plate 178 may also include aplurality of microstructures 190, such as a plurality of diffuser dotsprotruding into light guide plate 178 from a rear surface of light guideplate 178 adjacent rear cover 186. In some embodiments, microstructures190 may have surfaces that are selectively angled and positioned toreflect incident light L2 toward imaging assembly 188. In at least oneexample, first low-density microstructure region 184A and secondlow-density microstructure region 184B of backlight unit 174 may bedevoid or substantially devoid of microstructures 190 such that light L2from light source 176 passes substantially unimpeded through first andsecond low-density microstructure regions 184A and 184B, as illustratedin FIG. 8B. Light L2 passing through first low-density microstructureregion 184A may then, for example, be reflected toward imaging assembly188 by a surface portion of a microstructure 190. Light L2 reflected bymicrostructures 190 may be incident on a front surface of light guideplate 178 at an angle greater than a threshold angle of incidence suchthat the reflected light passes through the front surface of light guideplate 178 as shown in FIG. 8B.

Because little or no light from light source 176 is emitted from lightguide plate 178 at first and second low-density microstructure regions184A and 184B, backlight unit 174 may allow for a greater quantity oflight from light source 176 to reach left- and right-eye lightingregions 180A and 180B and portions of non-display region 182 closelysurrounding left- and right-eye lighting regions 180A and 180B (see FIG.7). Accordingly, a greater amount of light may be emitted from backlightunit 174 in left- and right-eye lighting regions 180A and 180B incomparison to a display that does not include such low-densitymicrostructure regions. As such, backlight unit 174 may provide greaterluminance uniformity in display regions of display screen 118 (e.g.,left- and right-eye display regions 122A and 122B of FIGS. 3-5B) and/ormay require a lower quantity of light to be emitted by light source 176to achieve a desired luminance uniformity and/or brightness.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method 900 for displaying animage in a display screen. The steps shown in FIG. 9 may be performed byany suitable computer-executable code and/or computing system,including, for example, display system 120 in FIG. 3. In one example, atleast a portion of one or more of the steps shown in FIG. 9 mayrepresent an algorithm whose structure includes and/or is represented bymultiple sub-steps, examples of which will be provided in greater detailbelow.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, at step 902, one or more of the systems and/ordevices described herein may receive initial image data for displayingan image on a display device in an initial orientation. For example, GPU128 of computing device 126 may receive initial image data 132 fordisplaying an image (e.g., unmodified left-eye image 170A or unmodifiedright-eye image 170B) on a head-mounted-display device 102 in an initialorientation (see, e.g., FIGS. 3, 6A, and 6B).

At step 904 in FIG. 9, one or more of the systems and/or devicesdescribed herein may modify the initial image data to generate modifiedimage data for displaying the image on the display device in a rotatedorientation that is rotated by a selected angle of rotation relative tothe initial orientation. For example, GPU 128 of computing device 126may modify initial image data 132 to generate modified image data 134for displaying the image (e.g., modified left-eye image 172A or modifiedright-eye image 172B) on head-mounted-display device 102 in a rotatedorientation that is rotated by a selected angle of rotation (e.g.,approximately 45°) relative to the initial orientation (Id.).

At step 906 in FIG. 9, one or more of the systems and/or devicesdescribed herein may drive the display device based on the modifiedimage data. For example, display driver circuit 124 may drivehead-mounted-display device 102 based on modified image data 134 (Id.).In this example, the display device may include a display screen having(1) a front surface and (2) at least one display region that emits, fromthe front surface, image light forming the image. The at least onedisplay region may include a plurality of pixels arranged in a pluralityof pixel rows and a plurality of pixel columns, at least one of theplurality of pixel rows or the plurality of pixel columns extending atan extension angle relative to a peripheral edge of the front surface,wherein the extension angle is equivalent to the selected angle ofrotation. In this example, head-mounted-display device 102 may includedisplay screen 118 having front surface 142 and left- and right-eyedisplay regions 122A and 122B that each emit, from front surface 142,image light L1 forming the image (see, e.g., FIGS. 3, 6A, 6B, 8A, and8B). Left- and right-eye display regions 122A and 122B may each includea plurality of pixels 150 arranged in a plurality of pixel rows 154 anda plurality of pixel columns 156, at least one of the plurality of pixelrows or the plurality of pixel columns extending at an extension anglerelative to lower peripheral edge 148 of front surface 142, with theextension angle being equivalent to the selected angle of rotation(e.g., approximately 45°) (Id.).

According to some embodiments, receiving the initial image data mayfurther include (1) receiving a first set of initial image data fordisplaying a first image in the first display region in a first initialorientation and (2) receiving a second set of initial image data fordisplaying a second image in the second display region in a secondinitial orientation. For example, GPU 128 of computing device 126 mayreceive a first set of initial image data 132 for displaying unmodifiedleft-eye image 170A in left-eye display region 122A. Additionally, GPU128 may receive a second set of initial image data 132 for displayingunmodified right-eye image 170B in right-eye display region 122B (see,e.g., FIGS. 3, 6A, and 6B).

In at least one example, modifying the initial image data may furtherinclude (1) modifying the first set of initial image data to generate afirst set of modified image data for displaying the first image in thefirst display region in a first rotated orientation that is rotated by afirst selected angle of rotation relative to the first initialorientation and (2) modifying the second set of initial image data togenerate a second set of modified image data for displaying the secondimage in the second display region in a second rotated orientation thatis rotated by a second selected angle of rotation relative to the secondinitial orientation, wherein the second selected angle of rotation isdifferent than the first selected angle of rotation. For example, GPU128 of computing device 126 may modify the first set of initial imagedata 132 to generate a first set of modified image data 134 fordisplaying unmodified left-eye image 170A in left-eye display region122A in a first rotated orientation that is rotated by a first selectedangle of rotation (e.g., approximately 45° in a clockwise direction)relative to the first initial orientation (Id.). Additionally, GPU 128may modify the second set of initial image data 132 to generate a secondset of modified image data 134 for displaying unmodified right-eye image1708 in right-eye display region 122B in a second rotated orientationthat is rotated by a second selected angle of rotation (e.g.,approximately 45° in a counter clockwise direction) relative to thefirst initial orientation (Id.).

As discussed throughout the instant disclosure, the disclosed devices,systems, and methods may provide one or more advantages over traditionaldisplay devices, systems, and methods. The above-described features mayenable display screens, and likewise display devices (e.g., head-mounteddisplays) including such display screens, to be formed with a smallerprofile without sacrificing display performance. In some embodiments,display screens may have a non-rectangular (e.g., octagonal) peripheralshape that accommodates various display components, including a displaydriver circuit, display circuitry in a pair of left- and right-eyedisplay regions, and a backlight unit.

Data and scanning lines in each of the display regions of the displayscreens may be arranged to extend obliquely relative to horizontal andvertical sides of the display screens. Such a configuration may provideimproved display performance and uniformity by reducing a driving gapbetween first and last data lines in each of the display regions.Additionally, the angled layout of scanning and data lines may enablemargins around portions the display regions to be reduced, providingfurther reductions in display screen size. Moreover, the disclosedembodiments may allow for two display regions on a single display screento be effectively driven simultaneously by a single display drivercircuit.

The disclosed devices, systems, and methods may also enable imagesdisplayed in left- and right-eye display regions of the display screento be automatically rotated by modifying image data to enable properdisplay of the images in the display regions. The display screens mayalso include backlight units having light guide plates that includenon-display regions having portions that are devoid of microstructuresto enable a greater amount of light to be emitted from left- andright-eye display regions of the display screens. As such, luminanceuniformity in the display regions may be improved. Additionally oralternatively, the backlight units may provide a desired displaybrightness using a lower amount of energy.

As detailed above, the computing devices, display devices, and systemsdescribed and/or illustrated herein broadly represent any type or formof computing device or system capable of executing computer-readableinstructions, such as those contained within the modules describedherein. In their most basic configuration, these computing device(s) mayeach include at least one memory device and at least one physicalprocessor.

In some examples, the term “memory device” generally refers to any typeor form of volatile or non-volatile storage device or medium capable ofstoring data and/or computer-readable instructions. In one example, amemory device may store, load, and/or maintain one or more of themodules described herein. Examples of memory devices include, withoutlimitation, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), flashmemory, Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Solid-State Drives (SSDs), optical diskdrives, caches, variations or combinations of one or more of the same,or any other suitable storage memory.

In some examples, the term “physical processor” generally refers to anytype or form of hardware-implemented processing unit capable ofinterpreting and/or executing computer-readable instructions. In oneexample, a physical processor may access and/or modify one or moremodules stored in the above-described memory device. Examples ofphysical processors include, without limitation, microprocessors,microcontrollers, Central Processing Units (CPUs), Field-ProgrammableGate Arrays (FPGAs) that implement softcore processors,Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), portions of one ormore of the same, variations or combinations of one or more of the same,or any other suitable physical processor.

In some embodiments, the term “computer-readable medium” generallyrefers to any form of device, carrier, or medium capable of storing orcarrying computer-readable instructions. Examples of computer-readablemedia include, without limitation, transmission-type media, such ascarrier waves, and non-transitory-type media, such as magnetic-storagemedia (e.g., hard disk drives, tape drives, and floppy disks),optical-storage media (e.g., Compact Disks (CDs), Digital Video Disks(DVDs), and BLU-RAY disks), electronic-storage media (e.g., solid-statedrives and flash media), and other distribution systems.

The process parameters and sequence of the steps described and/orillustrated herein are given by way of example only and can be varied asdesired. For example, while the steps illustrated and/or describedherein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps donot necessarily need to be performed in the order illustrated ordiscussed. The various exemplary methods described and/or illustratedherein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustratedherein or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed.

The preceding description has been provided to enable others skilled inthe art to best utilize various aspects of the exemplary embodimentsdisclosed herein. This exemplary description is not intended to beexhaustive or to be limited to any precise form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations are possible without departing from thespirit and scope of the instant disclosure. The embodiments disclosedherein should be considered in all respects illustrative and notrestrictive. Reference should be made to the appended claims and theirequivalents in determining the scope of the instant disclosure.

Unless otherwise noted, the terms “connected to” and “coupled to” (andtheir derivatives), as used in the specification and claims, are to beconstrued as permitting both direct and indirect (i.e., via otherelements or components) connection. In addition, the terms “a” or “an,”as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning“at least one of.” Finally, for ease of use, the terms “including” and“having” (and their derivatives), as used in the specification andclaims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word“comprising.”

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device comprising: a display screenthat comprises: a front surface; and at least one display region thatemits image light from the front surface, the at least one displayregion comprising a plurality of pixels arranged in a plurality of pixelrows and a plurality of pixel columns, the plurality of pixel rows andthe plurality of pixel columns each extending obliquely relative to aperipheral edge of the front surface; and a display driver circuit fordriving the plurality of pixels of the at least one display region,wherein the display driver circuit is disposed adjacent to theperipheral edge of the front surface.
 2. The display device of claim 1,wherein the at least one display region further comprises: a pluralityof scanning lines extending parallel to the plurality of pixel rows; anda plurality of data lines extending parallel to the plurality of pixelcolumns.
 3. The display device of claim 2, wherein the display drivercircuit is electrically coupled to the plurality of scanning lines andthe plurality of data lines of the at least one display region.
 4. Thedisplay device of claim 1, wherein: the plurality of pixel rows of theat least one display region each extend in a row direction having anangle of approximately 45° with respect to the peripheral edge of thefront surface; and the plurality of pixel columns of the at least onedisplay region each extend in a column direction having an angle ofapproximately 45° with respect to the peripheral edge of the frontsurface.
 5. The display device of claim 1, wherein a perimeter of theplurality of pixels in the at least one display region comprises anonrectangular shape.
 6. The display device of claim 5, wherein theperimeter of the plurality of pixels in the at least one display regioncomprises an octagonal shape.
 7. The display device of claim 5, whereinat least one side of the perimeter of the plurality of pixels in the atleast one display region intersects multiple scanning lines and multipledata lines of the at least one display region.
 8. The display device ofclaim 1, wherein: the at least one display region comprises a pair ofdisplay regions disposed apart from each other in a longitudinaldirection of the display screen; and the display driver circuit isdisposed apart from each display region of the pair of display regionsin a lateral direction of the display screen.
 9. The display device ofclaim 8, wherein: a first display region of the pair of display regionscomprises a first set of scanning lines; a second display region of thepair of display regions comprises a second set of scanning lines; andthe first set of scanning lines each extend in a first scanning linedirection and the second set of scanning lines each extend in a secondscanning line direction that is different than the first scanning linedirection.
 10. The display device of claim 8, wherein the display screencomprises a nonrectangular periphery surrounding the front surface. 11.The display device of claim 8, wherein the display screen furthercomprises a backlight unit comprising: a light source; and light guideplate comprising a pattern of microstructures for diffusing light fromthe light source, wherein a density of the microstructures is lower in anon-display region of the display screen.
 12. The display device ofclaim 11, wherein the microstructures of the pattern of microstructuresare not formed in the non-display region of the display screen.
 13. Thedisplay device of claim 11, wherein the pattern of microstructurescomprises a plurality of diffuser dots.
 14. The display device of claim11, wherein the non-display region of the display screen is locatedbetween the pair of display regions.
 15. The display device of claim 11,wherein the light source is disposed adjacent to a peripheral side ofthe display screen adjoining the peripheral edge of the front surface.16. A head-mounted-display device comprising: the display device ofclaim 1; and a display housing surrounding the display device.
 17. Adisplay device comprising: a display screen that comprises: a frontsurface; a pair of display regions that emit image light from the frontsurface; and a backlight unit comprising: a light source; and a lightguide plate comprising a pattern of microstructures for diffusing lightfrom the light source, wherein a density of the microstructures is lowerin a non-display region of the display screen located between the pairof display regions.
 18. The display device of claim 17, wherein thepattern of microstructures comprises a plurality of diffuser dots.
 19. Amethod comprising: receiving initial image data for displaying an imageon a display device in an initial orientation; modifying the initialimage data to generate modified image data for displaying the image onthe display device in a rotated orientation that is rotated by aselected angle of rotation relative to the initial orientation; anddriving the display device based on the modified image data, the displaydevice comprising: a front surface; and at least one display region thatemits, from the front surface, image light forming the image, the atleast one display region comprising a plurality of pixels arranged in aplurality of pixel rows and a plurality of pixel columns, at least oneof the plurality of pixel rows or the plurality of pixel columnsextending at an extension angle relative to a peripheral edge of thefront surface, wherein the extension angle is equivalent to the selectedangle of rotation.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein: the at least onedisplay region comprises a first display region and a second displayregion; receiving the initial image data further comprises: receiving afirst set of initial image data for displaying a first image in thefirst display region in a first initial orientation; and receiving asecond set of initial image data for displaying a second image in thesecond display region in a second initial orientation; and modifying theinitial image data further comprises: modifying the first set of initialimage data to generate a first set of modified image data for displayingthe first image in the first display region in a first rotatedorientation that is rotated by a first selected angle of rotationrelative to the first initial orientation; and modifying the second setof initial image data to generate a second set of modified image datafor displaying the second image in the second display region in a secondrotated orientation that is rotated by a second selected angle ofrotation relative to the second initial orientation, wherein the secondselected angle of rotation is different than the first selected angle ofrotation.